Measles Cases Rise to Five in Marathon County, Wisconsin

Wausau Rhinelander, WI, September 30, 2026 —

Marathon County, Wisconsin, has confirmed two additional cases of measles, increasing the total number of confirmed infections within the county to five. The Marathon County Health Department is actively monitoring the unfolding situation.

As of the latest update, health officials have indicated that there are no known locations where the community may have been exposed to the virus. The department is continuing its surveillance efforts to track the spread of the disease and ensure public awareness.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus. It spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can live for up to two hours in the air or on an infectious person’s belongings. Symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and can include a rash, fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.

The health department has not released further details regarding the individuals who have contracted the illness, including their vaccination status or specific circumstances of exposure, beyond the general confirmation of two new cases. The county’s total now stands at five confirmed instances of the disease.

Officials emphasize that measles can be prevented through vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children receive two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, and that adults who were not previously vaccinated should also consider getting the vaccine. The Marathon County Health Department is managing the response to these cases and providing guidance to the public.

Story summarized from the original created by Desiree Fischer on www.wsaw.com, see more information here.

Media gallery